In many settings, people are legally required to participate in treatment services and supervision.  Professionals who provide these mandated services not only care for, but also have control over, the people they serve.  This is a “dual role” relationship.

Our research indicates that high-quality dual-role relationships are characterized by caring and fairness, trust, and an authoritative (not authoritarian) style. Our Dual Role Relationship Inventory (DRI-R) measures these features. Our lab — and others —have found that a firm, fair, and caring relationship with an officer or provider helps justice-involved people succeed. 

For more information on the DRI-R, or to partner on relationship research, please click here.